TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[maylawwww]

thoughts on likelihood of being progressed to Milbank stage 2?

I completed the stage 1 test a week ago and haven't heard anything. wondering if it's worth holding out hope or coming to terms with a PFO especially since AC invites have gone out

At AC they said they have a lot of flexibility in the process and will hold extra ACs for strong applicants, not really any lower chance of being progressed if you apply late.

 

[fTS3002]

Who do we address the Travers Smith cover letter to?
I don't think it's Germaine VanGeyzel anymore, or am I wrong??

 

[ladyhaleinthehouse]

Ive heard that Baker releases AC invites in different batches!!! So hopefully not all is lost.
Also on the online platform has anyone written AC next to their application (in the application stage bit on the right)? Just wondering if it means anything (trying to hold on hope lol)

Mine says AC. I think it just means it is being assessed

 

[Maria56]

Hey does anyone know when we can expect HL to get back after Stage 2?

Saw people getting offers beginning of March in the previous app cycle thread so might be a long wait

 

[yasmars]

Who do we address the Travers Smith cover letter to?
I don't think it's Germaine VanGeyzel anymore, or am I wrong??

I don’t think she works there anymore but I could be wrong

 

[radssss]

Who do we address the Travers Smith cover letter to?
I don't think it's Germaine VanGeyzel anymore, or am I wrong??

They have said to address it to Tara Davidson in the question itself.

 

[trainee4u]

They have said to address it to Tara David in the question itself.

Tara Davidson

 

[radssss]

Tara Davidson

Yes that, sorry, I applied long back so I wrote what I remembered at the back of my head.

 

[kuuks_]

At AC they said they have a lot of flexibility in the process and will hold extra ACs for strong applicants, not really any lower chance of being progressed if you apply late.

does that mean all the AC invites have gone out now?

 

[badmintonflyinginsect]

Can someone tell me what an academic referee for Bakers is supposed to attest to about you? I think my tutor needs some guidance :[ would appreciate it since I'm seeing them tomorrow.

 

[Indigo71]

Can someone tell me what an academic referee for Bakers is supposed to attest to about you? I think my tutor needs some guidance :[ would appreciate it since I'm seeing them tomorrow.

Academic referees are usually just for confirming grades so I’d just put your personal tutor if you have one.

 

[Rads]

NRF PFO finally

 

[llblawstudent]

Is the bakers test automatic?

 

[M123]

Addleshaw VI invite! Applied on the deadline.
Does anyone know what type of questions they ask? Commercial, motivation, or competency? Any insight would be really helpful.

Congrats!!! Is this for the London Office?

 

[iklawapps]

Can someone tell me what an academic referee for Bakers is supposed to attest to about you? I think my tutor needs some guidance :[ would appreciate it since I'm seeing them tomorrow.

Oh gosh sorry to ask, but when does Bakers start contacting referees? I haven't properly talked to mine in a whileee

 

[TCLAuser2002]

NRF PFO finally

post VI?

 

[Donna Paulsen]

thoughts on likelihood of being progressed to Milbank stage 2?

I completed the stage 1 test a week ago and haven't heard anything. wondering if it's worth holding out hope or coming to terms with a PFO especially since AC invites have gone out

I’m expecting a PFO as I haven’t progressed to stage 2, but I did the test on the 31st of December so idk why they’re taking so long to get back to me on it lol

 

[Jaysen]

DLA Vac Scheme offer!!! 🥳

DLA Piper London Vac Scheme offer!

Omg just came out of the first half of FLK1 (horrible btw) to a missed call, which turns out to be DLA VS offer. So bloody happy. Now just need to fill in spring and convert one 💃🏽💃🏽

Well done all of you!

 

[dinoorchestra]

Hey guys, how do you keep going? I have 3 more applications I want to finish, but right now, I feel like I will never get that training contract. I am just really burned out and the onslaught of former classmates qualifying or receiving their training contracts is not helping. I have done some vacation schemes but in the last year and (as it is looking right now) this year: nothing. I am definitely moving backwards as the number of candidates increases. Tbh I regret not deferring my degree during the pandemic, because that would probably have saved my grades. Firms seem to not really consider extenuating circumstances.

Any advice?